Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding reports of recent air strikes conducted by Israeli authorities, leading to the deaths of seven Palestinians; and what assessment they have made of the likelihood of such actions leading to an escalation of tensions in the region.

We are aware of the reports of the targeting of a tunnel by Israel. We understand that the tunnel was constructed by Palestinian militants and that its destruction was carried out on Israeli territory. The UK supports Israel's right to self-defence. We remain deeply concerned by attempts to rearm and rebuild militant infrastructure, including the tunnel network in Gaza. This activity undermines efforts to improve the situation in Gaza and harms the prospects for peace and stability in the region.